Sleep Apnea Symptoms Spokane - Diagnosing Sleep Apnea

Millions of Americans deal with sleep apnea, many don\'t even know they have a problem. Sleep apnea, whether it be obstructive sleep apnea or central sleep apnea, is essentially impossible for an individual to detect on their own because the disorder occurs while they are sleeping. A sleeping partner who can hear snoring is a warning sign that more information is warranted.

Oftentimes obstructive sleep apnea is diagnosed by a doctor after a patient complains of not feeling well-rested after a long night\'s sleep, having trouble staying awake during the day, difficulty getting to sleep, and waking up numerous times during the night. Other times, a spouse will notify the individual of their excessive, loud snoring, as well as episodes of them sleeping with a strange or unusual breathing pattern. A sleep study will typically help a doctor determine whether a person suffers from sleep apnea, and can then help them determine what causes it.

Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common form of sleep apnea. Out of the individuals that suffer from this sleeping disorder, approximately 84% of patients suffer from obstructive sleep apnea over central sleep apnea, or a combination of both. However, there may be more individuals that suffer from sleep apnea that have not been diagnosed, so it is difficult to determine how many people suffer from sleep apnea in it\'s entirely, specifically obstructive sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is when your breathing is blocked by your tongue falling back in your throat, enlarged tonsils, or both, which can cause your airway to be blocked.

Obstructive sleep apnea can be treated with the proper diagnosis and subsequent treatment, so it is important to get any warning signs checked out and receive the proper care. Dr. Brossoit and his staff can help you determine whether you are suffering from a sleep disorder such as sleep apnea, and can help you understand the risk factors and complications that come with such diagnoses.

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